Goldbug Hot Springs
Natural hot spring near Challis, Idaho
- Natural
- Free
- Clothing optional
Quick facts
- Type
- Natural hot spring
- Cost
- Free
- Access
- Hike, 2 miles one way
- Hours
- accessible 24/7
- Season
- open year-round
- Dress
- Clothing optional
Facts last verified Nov 6, 2026 · Sources below
Goldbug Hot Springs is in Idaho, a wild collection of natural hot springs. It is free to visit, open year-round, and reached by a 2.0-mile hike.
Public access is available, and the springs are open. Visitors can use the pools at any time because access is 24/7. The nearest town is Challis, while the route information places the springs 23 miles south of Salmon on Highway 93.
Pools at Goldbug Hot Springs
About six waterfall-fed pools sit along Warm Spring Creek. Their sand and gravel bottoms are held in place by boulders that dam the pools, so visitors will find several distinct places to soak rather than one developed pool.
At the top, a heart-shaped pool combines hot inlet water with cold river water. That mix is a defining feature of the upper pool and distinguishes it from the other pools along the creek.
How to Get to Goldbug Hot Springs
The access route is a hike of 2.0 miles. Plan for the walk as part of the visit, rather than expecting roadside access to the pools.
Drive on a well-maintained dirt road off US 93 near mile marker 282. From the south of the community of Elk Bend, turn east on the county-maintained road; the location is 23 miles south of Salmon on Highway 93. Sunflower Hot Springs is 54 miles away, and Stanley Hot Springs is 117 miles away.
Goldbug Hot Springs Hours and Access
There is no admission charge at the springs. They are accessible 24/7, which allows visits at any hour.
The site remains open year-round. Since the visit includes a 2.0-mile hike, choose a time that fits both the year-round season and the walk to the pools.
What to Expect at the Springs
Goldbug Hot Springs is clothing optional. Visitors should be prepared for that setting before beginning the hike.
This is a wild hot spring rather than a developed facility. The creekside pools, boulder dams, sand and gravel bottoms, and waterfall-fed water are the central features of the experience.
Goldbug Hot Springs Trail and Camping Notes
Camping is prohibited within 500 feet of the hot spring. Do not make plans to camp inside that 500-foot area.
Dogs must be leashed while crossing the private-property section of trail. Keep a leash ready for that part of the route before continuing toward the pools.
Map, Address and Directions
1 place on the map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Hot springs near Goldbug Hot Springs
More hot springs in Idaho
Goldbug Hot Springs FAQ
Is Goldbug Hot Springs free?
Yes. There is no admission charge.
What are the hours at Goldbug Hot Springs?
Accessible 24/7. The springs are open year-round.
Is there a hike to Goldbug Hot Springs?
Yes. Access requires a 2.0-mile hike.
Is Goldbug Hot Springs clothing optional?
Yes. The springs are clothing optional.
Can you camp at Goldbug Hot Springs?
No. Camping is prohibited within 500 feet of the hot spring.
Are dogs allowed at Goldbug Hot Springs?
Yes, with a condition. Dogs must be leashed when crossing the private-property section of trail.
What hot springs are near Goldbug Hot Springs?
Sunflower Hot Springs is 54 miles away, and Stanley Hot Springs is 117 miles away.
Sources
- Goldbug Hot Springs - Idaho | Bureau of Land Management blm.gov, checked Nov 4, 2026
- Goldbug Hot Springs - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org, checked Nov 4, 2026
- Goldbug Hot Springs – Idaho Hiking Adventure 2026 soakdestinations.com, checked Nov 6, 2026
- Goldbug Hot Springs - for the wow factor in Idaho — Walk My World walkmyworld.com, checked Nov 4, 2026
Facts last verified Nov 6, 2026.